Friday, December 20, 2013

Winter Wingman Day is just around the corner. It is slated for today all day and will be held at numerous locations around base. For more updates continue to check the base Facebook page. The following facilities will be closed today: 19th Airlift Wing Pharmacy 19th Airlift Wing Legal Office 19th Airlift Wing Finance 19th Airlift Wing Public Affairs The following MSG Customer Services will be closed on Wingman Day: CES: Production Control (Helpdesk), calls will be forwarded to Fire Dept and Fire Dept will call the appropriate shop’s standby phone FSS: Manpower and Personnel Flight, appointments will be rescheduled as necessary; in case of urgent personnel situation, contact Lt. Collins at (501)454-5013. FSS: Fitness Center, will operate on 24/7 Fitness for registered users FSS: POD will be closed, DFAC available for ESM customers only CS: Comm Focal Point, will be available via the standby phone, will send out NOTAM with standby phone number SFS: Pass and ID, same services available at Visitor’s Center except for DBIDs cards and Restricted Area badges The following MSG Customer Services will have minimum manning/decreased services on Wingman Day: FSS: DFAC will operate two main lines and a snack line for ESM customers only LRS: TMO will be min manned LRS: Mobile Maintenance will be min manned LRS: Vehicle Ops will be min manned LRS: Supply will be min manned LRS: Fuel Service Center will be min manned

Munitions Storage Area closure

The Munitions Storage Area will be closed for semi-annual inventory March 3 through 14. Only emergency issues will be processed during this time frame and must be approved in writing by the maintenance group commander. Please direct any question to Master Sgt. Patrick Dunlap at (501) 987-6031.

Thrift shop reopens Feb. 18

The Thrift Shop will reopen in the same location Feb. 18 for shopping and donations. Consignment begins March 1. For more information, visit www.littlerockspouses.com.

Parenting class offered

A 1-2-3 Magic Parenting Class is set for 1 to 4 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 13 and 20 at the Family Advocacy Office. To register, call (501) 987-7377.

The holiday season is finally at hand. Over the next few weeks members of Team Little Rock will place their email accounts on autopilot, take a break and spend time with friends and loved ones.

For many, as the song goes, “it’s the most wonderful time of the year.” Yet others have a difficult time managing the various stressors that can accompany the festivities. Utilizing a few concepts everyone is already familiar with can help one not only survive the holidays, but thrive.

This time of year is never lacking for social engagements. From squadron parties, to grandmother’s house we go, you should always go with a plan. According to Mothers Against Drunk Driving, each year the number of alcohol-related highway fatalities spikes dramatically over the Christmas and New Year’s holidays.

“Over the last two years, 75 percent of holiday season fatalities are private-motor-vehicle related,” said James Yowell, the ground safety manager for the 314th Airlift Wing. “When hosting a party, as a host you have responsibilities to protect your guests,” he said.Yowell went on to say being a responsible host includes things like providing food, non-alcoholic beverages, sleeping arrangements or a sober designated driver to get them home. Another tip he provided was to cut off access to alcohol about two hours before the end of your party. Yowell said that if you take those steps you can reduce the likelihood of an accident by about 90 percent.

“As individuals we’re responsible to make a plan and stick to it,” said Yowell. “If that plan fails, get help, call a friend who hasn’t been drinking or Airmen Against Drunk Driving, anything besides getting behind the wheel. This is a season for happiness, we should all do our part to make sure everyone gets home safely.”

The holiday season can present a multitude of ups and downs, but your waist measurement doesn’t have to be one of them. Remember that it’s ok to say no to mom’s cookies, and dad could probably use a lap around the neighborhood to look at lights with you.

“You’re going to be out of your normal element, so make sure you’re at least getting up and moving around,” said Aaron Leach, a Little Rock Air Force Base physiologist. “Whether you’re stuck in an airport, a hotel, or you’re stuck at your in-laws, get up and move around. The holidays can be pretty stressful, so instead of choosing destructive coping methods try dealing with it in a healthy way. You can find a gym, go out for a run, or in my case I’ll be making couch forts and having pillow fights with my kids.”

There can also be great demands on our time and agendas during the holidays. Whether you’re traveling from Arkansas to Albany, or making the decision to stay in the local area this year, its important to take some time for yourself and maintain your spiritual fitness. “I would encourage individuals to exercise their spiritual fitness and faith,” said chaplain Maj. Randall Jamieson, a 19th Airlift Wing chaplain. “Its important to exercise your faith and attend worship services. I would also encourage people to spend time with their family and friends as much as they’re able to, but look for other sources of support if they’re unable to make it home. It’s a time for reflection, a time to re-evaluate and look for inspiration and peace.”

If you find yourself struggling to find the perfect gift or feel like somebody forgot to put you on his or her list, you’re not alone. It would be easy to fill a stocking with all of the expectations we put on others and ourselves during the holidays.

If you feel like you need someone to talk to, one source might be the military family life counselor at the Airman and Family Readiness Center. The MFLC can provide a confidential consultation by a licensed therapist to any active-duty Airman or their dependents. The Little Rock Air Force Base MFLC reports that stress around the holidays is a common occurrence, and that everyone has stress, but it’s how you handle that stress that is unique.

“Stress can actually be a good thing, but when you become overwhelmed by it, can’t breathe, and can no longer function or sleep adequately, that is the time to see someone about it,” said Sharon Thompson, chief of the Airman and Family Readiness Center. “Just because it’s a holiday it doesn’t necessarily mean you should be happy, and that expectation can be an additional stressor. One tip to relieve stress is to take your shoes off and curl your toes on the carpet. When you are able to reconnect with your body and senses, your brain has to switch modes, and it acts as a temporary stress reliever.”If you would like additional resources, visit the Air Mobility Command Comprehensive Airman Fitness link at http://www.amc.af.mil/caf/.

Thursday, December 12, 2013

The Little Rock Air Force Base Housing Office is seeking a highly motivated Master Sergeant or Master Sergeant select, for the 8H000, “Superintendent, Airman Dorm Leader” special duty position. This position is a two-year controlled tour, with an option to extend for a third year, and has a report not later than date of May 1, 2014. Applicants must be of good moral character, have a history demonstrating the highest caliber of professionalism and be committed to mentoring first term Airmen. Applicants must submit their last three Enlisted Performance Reports, a letter of endorsement from their Commander, and a 300-word essay on how they feel they can make a difference as an Airman Dorm Leader. Applicants should place all documents in a sealed 8 1/2” x 11” envelope placing rank and name on the front center of the envelope and hand carry to the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron in building 528 or email all documents to jessica.foiles@us.af.mil no later than Jan. 15. Interviews will take place Jan. 20 – 24. For more information, call the Little Rock Housing Element Chief’s office at 987-2358.

Medical Group closures planned

The 19th Medical Group will be closed on the following dates.

Noon to 4:30 p.m., Dec. 18 for training; Dec. 25, in observance of Christmas; Dec. 26, in observance of an AMC holiday; Jan. 1 for New Year’s Day.

Tax Center volunteers needed

The Tax Center is currently requesting volunteers for the upcoming 2013 tax season. If you are interested in becoming a Tax Center volunteer or have any questions about the VITA program, please call Capt. Timothy Bennett or Airman 1st Class Blake Johnson at the Legal Office at (501) 987-7886. The Little Rock Air Force Base Tax Center will open its doors Feb. 4, 2014, for the 2013 tax season. During the 2012 tax season, the Little Rock AFB Tax Center completed 1,303 tax returns for Team Little Rock, resulting in refunds totaling $1.4 million. All of these savings were made possible by volunteers who kept the Tax Center functioning. Tax Center volunteers are trained through the IRS Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, receiving valuable education on completion of federal and state tax returns. At the conclusion of the VITA training, volunteers qualify as certified tax preparers, a crucial skill for managing their own financial affairs. Whether answering phones or completing returns, volunteers are instrumental in meeting the tax filing needs for hundreds of active duty, reservists, dependents, and retirees from the surrounding area. Training is tentatively scheduled for the week of Dec. 16.

Ordering CCAF transcripts

If you are ordering Community College of the Air Force transcripts, CCAF is experiencing technical difficulties. Two available options are: 1) Mail a letter to CCAF requesting a transcript which also will need to include your full name, the last four of your SSN, your Date of Birth, and the address you wish your transcript to be sent to. NOTE: Ensure the letter is physically SIGNED by the member to release their record. The address to CCAF is: Community College of the Air Force 100 South Turner Blvd. Maxwell AFB, Gunter Annex AL 36114-3011 2) Credentials, INC. does overnight and regular delivery using their service called TranscriptPLUS for a fee. This service can be found at https://www.credentials-inc.com/cgi-bin/dvcgitp.pgm?ALUMTRO012308.

CCAF progress report available

The Student Degree Plan allows CCAF students immediate information, degree program status, degree requirements and student records. Members can obtain their CCAF Progress Report on their AF Virtual Ed Center.

TRICARE and new health care reform impact explained

The Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act (PPACA) is designed to expand access to health care coverage, by lowering costs, improving quality while expanding care coordination for all Americans. PPACA requires all citizens to have health insurance or other health care coverage that meets the definition of minimum essential coverage (MEC) by Jan. 1, 2014. People who do not meet MEC will be required to pay a fee when filing their 2014 tax returns. TRICARE programs, to include Prime, Standard, Prime Remote, TRICARE Reserve Select, TRICARE Young Adult, and TRICARE Retired Reserve meet the requirements of MEC as long as you maintain your TRICARE enrollment. You can access information on these programs at www.tricare.mil. However, there are two very small populations that do not meet the requirements of MEC under TRICARE: those receiving care for line of duty only related conditions and those that are only eligible to receive care in military treatment facilities. Beneficiaries are required to maintain DEERS information at the Military Personnel Element, since DEERS determines your eligibility for TRICARE. DEERS will be the source of information that will be accessed to validate that you and your family members have health care coverage that meets the definition of MEC. The bottom line is PPACA will not impact TRICARE beneficiaries with the exception of an extra letter or two delivered to your home and the additional box to check on tax forms every year. If you need more information on this program please visit www.tricare.mil/aca.

Preparing for winter is more than putting away your summer clothes. The reality is that snow and ice aren’t that far away. The beginning of winter is a great time to check your house and vehicle before bad weather arrives. Winterizing your home and having a family disaster plan are things you can prepare for ahead of time to ensure you are ready. Also, have emergency kits for your vehicle especially if you plan on taking road trips for the holidays. The following are ways the Federal Emergency Management Agency suggest you can prepare for the winter months:

Winterizing Your Home:

Ensure walls and attics are insulated

Check weather-stripping and caulking on doors and windows

Clean and inspect heating equipment and chimneys

Insulate pipes and allow faucet to drip during freezing weather

Know how to shut off water valves (in case a pipe bursts)

Keep fire extinguishers on hand and ensure everyone knows how to use them

Vent fuel-burning equipment to the outside

Winterizing Your Vehicle:

Check fluid levels

Ensure heater and defroster work properly

Check for leaks in exhaust system

Battery and ignition system should be in good condition

Lights and flashing hazards should be serviceable

Emergency Kits:

Non-perishable food items (plan for 72 hrs per person)

Water (plan for 72 hrs per person)

Matches

Candles

Flashlights

Battery powered radio (extra radios)

First aid kit

Blankets

Did you know during winter, the number of carbon monoxide poisoning accidents increase? Carbon monoxide poisoning occurs when a person is exposed to vehicle exhaust, defective furnaces, wood-burning stoves, portable camping stoves, etc. This toxic gas is colorless, odorless, tasteless, and non-irritating initially. In 2012, there was an increase of carbon monoxide poisoning from vehicles with the exhaust/tailpipe covered by snow. Be sure to clear the exhaust pipe and around it before running your vehicle.

In addition to the above tips, make sure that you are familiar with these winter storm hazard terms:

Freezing Rain - Rain that freezes when it hits the ground, creating a coating of ice on roads, walkways, trees and power lines.

Sleet - Rain that turns to ice pellets before reaching the ground. Sleet also causes moisture on roads to freeze and become slippery.

Winter Weather Advisory - Winter weather conditions are expected to cause significant inconveniences and may be hazardous. When caution is used, these situations should not be life threatening.

Winter Storm Watch - A winter storm is possible in your area. Tune in to National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Weather Radio, commercial radio, or television for more information.

Winter Storm Warning - A winter storm is occurring or will soon occur in your area.

Blizzard Warning - Sustained winds or frequent gusts to 35 miles per hour or greater and considerable amounts of falling or blowing snow (reducing visibility to less than a quarter mile) are expected to prevail for a period of three hours or longer.

Frost/Freeze Warning - Below freezing temperatures are expected.

The following websites can assist you with building an Emergency Kit, making a family emergency plan, and even talking to your children about disasters:

The ability to neutralize threats and take control of a hazardous situation is the first priority of any military team. From working in a medical clinic to flying in an aircraft, every Airman plays an important role in the impact of the mission encompassing them. The Airmen at the 19th Civil Engineer Squadron Explosive Ordnance Disposal team are no strangers to the demands of stressful situations and the critical decision-making skills required to successfully mitigate hazards.

The bomb squad readies for the challenges of their mission by performing critical training scenarios on base in order to be prepared for deployments and emergency calls. During deployment situations, the teams perform the same duties as the Army, Navy, and Marine Corps EOD teams and often fill other services’ taskings because the different branches of service cannot always fill them. Performing these tasks during wartime situations, the Air Force EOD teams moved from being typically on-base support to moving outside the wire, excelling rapidly.

Not only do the EOD team members assigned to the 19th CES perform mission-essential operations for Little Rock Air Force Base and in the area of responsibility during deployment operations, the crew also responds to emergency calls from the local community.

“The DOD maintains the responsibility for its munition items from cradle to grave, so when old munitions are discovered it falls on us to ensure that the hazards they pose are mitigated and removed from the civilian community,” says Master Sgt. Heath Mooney, 19th CES EOD flight chief.

Being the EOD support for Camp Robinson, Pine Bluff, Fort Chaffee, the 188th at Fort Smith as well as the Memphis National Guard andColumbus AFB, the EOD team does not count on down time.

With a response reach that spans the entire state, explosives dating as far back as the Civil War have been uncovered by the team. These potentially dangerous weapons are often found in housing, construction developments and public areas frequented by people.

“There are times where we’ve gone out around the state and we’ve found live items buried in the ground,” said Mooney. “Burns Park is a great example. We found a couple of WWI shrapnel rounds. They were live rounds that were so old and deteriorated; we had to blow them up right there in Burns Park.”

Team Little Rock’s EOD team is together day and night. With a 24/7 on-call status, many long days, and countless deployments together, the members consider each other their family away from family. The time spent together builds lasting bonds. The level of trust and cooperation are essential to the success of any EOD mission.

“I’ve never seen anything like the caliber and camaraderie of people that do this job,” said Mooney. “You literally trust these people with your lives.”

With the level of stress associated with the job, the team still manages to make their days eventful, even while sitting at a desk doing paperwork. While the section has rules and checklists like any other unit on base, thinking outside the box in extremely stressful situations is pertinent to being a successful EOD technician, Mooney stressed.

Because of the stressful situations all EOD members face, each Airman is informed that the task of becoming part of the EOD team is voluntary. If at any point an EOD technician does not feel that they can be an effective team member, he or she has the ability to pull their volunteer statement without penalty and join another career field.

“Nobody’s here because they have to be, everybody’s here because they love this job and that’s a testament to it,” said Mooney.

Although the stress of the job might seem overwhelming to an outsider looking in, the EOD team collectively set their mentality to become positive with every situation and to make the best of their daily circumstances. Camaraderie is the key to trust and enjoying the time spent with the work family.

“The whole job is fun. It all boils down to teamwork, camaraderie and family. Like any family, we argue like cats and dogs, but that’s what family does. By the end of the day, we’re brothers and everything is fine,” said Mooney.

While the EOD team does not directly affect whether the C-130’s land or take off, the support that they provide is more subtle but important none-the-less. Community support is a cornerstone of Team Little Rock. At home, the EOD team supports the community by the work they do by safing and removing potentially dangerous ordnance items that may be found.

“When we go out into the community, we represent the base and that is something we take very seriously,” said Mooney. “They don’t know the meaning of an occupational badge. They just know the Air Force came out to help. In that respect, we’re kind of an ambassador for the base, and we always want to have that positive impact.”

The 19th CES EOD team is essential to Team Little Rock. The dedication EOD shows to the community encourages the community support of Little Rock Air Force Base. This dedication was recently recognized when the 19th CES EOD team was selected by AMC as the winner of the SMSgt Gerald J. Stryzak Award for Best EOD Flight.

Washington
(AFNS) – Army, Navy, Marine Corps, Air Force and Coast Guard, as well as
reservists and National Guard members are eligible for expedited Transportation
Security Administration, or TSA, screening beginning Dec. 20.

As part of
the ongoing effort to move away from a one size fits all security approach and
provide more of the traveling public the ability to participate in expedited
screening, the TSA and the Department of Defense partnered to expand TSA
Precheck expedited screening benefits to all service members.

Currently,
members of the armed forces can utilize TSA Precheck lanes at 10 domestic
airports by presenting their Common Access Card. The partnership expands the
program to the military at all 100 airports offering TSA Precheck, allowing
service members to keep their footwear on as well as light outerwear, belts,
keep their laptop in its case and their 3-1-1 compliant liquids/gels bag in a
carry on in select screening lanes.

“Expanding
TSA Precheck screening benefits is great news for our service members and is a
tangible sign of this nation’s gratitude for the men and women who serve this
nation bravely each and every day,” said Mary Snavely-Dixon, the director of
the Defense Manpower Data Center. “We will continue to work with the
Transportation Security Administration to help expand this program further.”

The new
process being established under this agreement allows all active duty, Coast
Guard, Reserve and National Guard service members to use their DOD
identification number when making reservations. That ID number will be used as
their known traveler number.

When
arriving at the airport, service members will then be permitted access to TSA
Precheck lanes for official or leisure travel on participating airlines.

“TSA joins
with the American people in showing its appreciation for the service and
sacrifices of our men and women in the armed forces,” said the TSA Deputy
Administrator John W. Halinski, a 25-year Marine Corps veteran. “Providing
expedited screening while on travel is the least we can do for these courageous
men and women.”

More than
18 million passengers have experienced TSA Precheck since it launched in
October 2011.

TSA has
recently expanded this expedited screening program to 60 new airports in
addition to the existing 40, bringing the total number of airports with TSA
Precheck to 100.

TSA has
long recognized our men and women in uniform as nearly a quarter of TSA’s
workforce is a veteran or currently serves as an active duty service member in
the armed forces.

In
addition to expanding TSA Precheck to service members, TSA offers the American
public about the Wounded Warrior Screening program. According to TSA officials,
this program makes the overall experience for wounded service members as simple
as possible. This includes personalized service and expedited screening to move
through security checkpoints without having to remove footwear, light
outerwear, jackets or head wear.

Wounded
warriors or their care coordinators can contact TSA Cares toll free at
855-787-2227 with details of the itinerary once flight arrangements are made
with the airline.

Every year, on average, more than 40 people lose their lives on the slopes as a result of accidents in skiing and snowboarding in the U.S., according to the National Ski Areas Association (NSAA).

Common winter sport-related injuries include head trauma, shoulder dislocation or fracture, elbow injuries, broken legs and knee and ankle injuries.

To help avoid these injuries or worse, here are some tips for winter safety from The American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons.

Pay attention to weather warnings and make adjustments for icy conditions, deep or wet snow and bad weather.

Wear appropriate safety gear — such as goggles and helmets — and ensure that all equipment is in proper working order.

Don’t go out alone. You should always be with a partner and remain in sight of each other. Make sure that someone else knows about your plans and whereabouts during your outdoor activity. It’s also a good idea to carry a cell phone with you.

Warm up thoroughly before your activity in order to prevent muscle, tendon and ligament injuries.

Stay in shape, and condition your muscles before the season begins. If you are over 50, consider having a medical check-up before you start participating in a winter sport.

Know and obey all the rules of your sport. Take a lesson from a qualified instructor, particularly in sports such as skiing and snowboarding.

If you’re in pain or feeling tired, call it a day.

Seek shelter and medical attention if signs of hypothermia or frostbite affect you or a companion. Early symptoms of frostbite include numbness and tingling, lack of feeling and poor motion in your fingers or toes.

“The biggest piece of advice I can give people is to stay hydrated,” said Tech. Sgt. Albert Beckwith, a 19th Airlift Wing ground safety technician. “People think that because it’s cold that they don’t have to stay sipping on that H2O, but they’re wrong.”

It may even be best to wear several layers of light, loose, element-resistant clothing to stay safe, warm and dry according to the NSAA.

“Ensuring you are receiving the proper safety briefs and are properly trained on winter sport activities is paramount,” said Beckwith.

Armed with the information provided in this campaign plan, supervisors have more resources at their fingertips as Team Little Rock continues to move forward in a crusade against mishaps.

For more information about winter safety or tips for battling the elements visit http://www.afsec.af.mil/ or call the safety office at 501-987-6377.

THE COMBAT AIRLIFTER CLASSIFIED DEPARTMENT will take ads by phone from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday 982-9421, or you may mail your ad to 404 Graham Rd., Jacksonville, Ark. 72078. You may also e-mail them to combatairlifterclassifieds@arkansasleader.com Deadline to advertise in Friday's issue is 5 p.m. Tuesday.

Thursday, December 5, 2013

Team Little Rock maintainers gave middle school students a first-hand glimpse of the excellence and skills needed to make both aspirations and aircraft soar.

Though the ground was wet and the sky was grey, 90 bright and sunny sixth, seventh and eighth graders from Cloverdale Aerospace Technology Conversion Charter School toured the 19th Component Maintenance Squadron centralized repair facility on Nov. 21 at Little Rock Air Force Base.

Cloverdale Charter School students are predominantly below the poverty level; some are known to be homeless. Considered by many to be at risk, students’ achievement scores have improved over the past three years since the one of the school’s focuses has become aerospace education.

Students learn many facets of flight during their middle school years from aerodynamic principles to hands-on design. They are exposed to hundreds of different career fields available in the aerospace industry. The school’s courses enhance students’ math, literacy, science and social study skills.

Cloverdale has a fleet of 40 R/C “drone” aircraft that the students are allowed to fly. They also have 35 R/C Flight Simulators, two Redbird Cessna Flight Simulators, and a STARLab Planetarium. Students interested in astronomy can use one of the schools four 130 mm computerized telescopes to stargaze.

While touring the facility on base, the student were treated to a close-up look at C-130 propellers, a compression module and legacy C-130 engines. Engine experts specifically explained the difference between the H-1 and H-3 engines and showed the precision, parts and processes that keep the Team Little Rock mission in the air.

“The aerospace field trip to the Air Force base was exciting,” said eighth grader Zadrian Goodwin. “It was so fascinating how every part of the process of making the engine was just as important as any other.”

Goodwin also said, “It was fascinating to see how the base worked as a city of its own. It consisted of all the things as a city like Little Rock would have, and it was so big. My favorite part about the trip was seeing one of the planes take off, and even though I was hoping to see a jet, I was still amazed.”

The students were not only amazed by the base as a whole; they were impressed with the individual commitment each Airmen had to their job and one another.

“What I thought about the field trip was that it’s really cool that all those men work together to make those engines,” said sixth grader Maria Cervantes. “Also, I thought the experience of getting to see an engine in person and to see all parts of the engine. Also I thought that it was amazing that all of the people memorize all the parts of the engine and the tools that they use for the engines. The [squadron] commander was also very welcoming to us. It was a very cool trip that we got to see the engines and even saw a plane take off.”

Garrick St. Pierre, the school’s coordinator and also an aerospace education officer for Arkansas Wing, said when the students go on field trips like these his goals for them are: to see the hard work, dedication and teamwork the Airmen display, provide career possibilities (civilian and military), and to confirm the academics they learn at school.

“Most students never thought about airplanes before;” said St. Pierre. “Many have never seen an airplane except when it flies overhead. I wish I could say that aerospace is every student’s favorite class, but it is not. However, a huge number love it and more importantly, has opened their eyes to the world beyond Southwest Little Rock. For many, it is the first time they have realized the world is larger than school and the block they live on.”

Three things St. Pierre said he wants the students to learn from his class are: 1) The world is a great big place with lots of wonderful things in it, and they can have a fantastic life for those that are willing to try new things and go new places. 2) There are more choices in life after high school than either going to college. 3) What they learn in math, English, science and social studies is used in the real world by real people.

“One of the things we did at the base was talk to people who worked and lived there,” said seventh grader, Bintou Konneh. “It was awesome that people were talking to us about their lives and what they do.”

As the holiday hustle and bustle nears a fever pitch, two Little Rock Air Force base families who lost their homes and personal possessions in a duplex fire Sept. 17 are simply thankful to have a place to sit back, relax and enjoy what the festive season brings.

According to Don Smart, 19th CES fire chief, the fire was one of 24 in base housing during the last five years, 12 of which have been cooking - related.

Though the fire, which was classified as a cooking fire, completely damaged both houses, no one was injured.

Beginning in the kitchen, the fire eventually spread throughout the entire home at 126 Pennsylvania Ave., as well as the neighboring home, 124 Pennsylvania Ave., consuming most of the former and rendering the latter uninhabitable.

The families were forced to vacate the duplex, but were quickly provided new homes from base housing.

“We were in a new house on base two days later,” said Airman 1st Class Jason Clark, a 19th Component Maintenance Squadron aircraft hydraulic systems journeyman.

While the two families have been provided new homes, they lost a considerable amount of personal goods in the fire. Team Little Rock responded by setting up a drive to donate necessary items to the families.

The Airmen and their familes received an abundance of donations, so much in fact, they gave some to the Airman’s Attic and Goodwill.

More than $2,000 was raised for both families that were involved in the incident.

“The first sergeants helped us out a lot,” said Clark. “They provided us with new uniforms for work. We received kitchen supplies, baby clothes and gift cards. It was nice to have supporting Airmen from my squadron helping us in a time like this.”

Disasters are never planned, but Airmen should be prepared by having an emergency savings plan and a solid evacuation plan.

“We are still overwhelmed from the whole situation; you never expect something like this to happen,” said Clark.

If an Airman is ever in a similar situation, one of the first steps they can take is contacting their first sergeant.

Master Sgt. Rodney Kizzia, the 19th Component Maintenance Squadron first sergeant, said, “there are a lot of agencies willing to help; if you don’t know what is available to you, go to your first sergeant.”

Don’t forget during the holidays to use safety while preparing all of your holiday meals.

Everyone should be vigilant of safety concerns while cooking, but in the event of encountering a cooking-related fire, there are some steps to follow.

First, turn the stove or burner off and place a well-fitting lid on the pan or container used for cooking.

Second, never try to move a container, pan or receptacle that’s on fire.

So you want to be a chief master sergeant? If you’ve ever wondered what that entails, it just so happens that the 19th Airlift Wing has an app. for that.

You won’t find this application through iTunes or your smart phone; the only place you can find this one through your chain of command. It’s called the Chief to Airman Mentor Program (CHAMP).

CHAMP is intended to introduce noncommissioned officers to the daily life of a Chief, and observe the strategic side of wing leadership and its role in our mission. The program was launched in October and selects a small group of Airmen each month to shadow a Chief or superintendent from a different unit on base.

The program, created by 19th Airlift Wing Command Chief Master Sgt. Margarita Overton, came about from a combination of sources.

“CHAMP originated from two sources,” said Overton. “The first was from a question asked during a Senior Airman below the zone board where nominees were asked, ‘If you were Commander for a day and could change one thing, what would it be?’ Several Airmen indicated they wanted more exposure to different mission sets across the base, so they could see how others fit into the message. This thought resurfaced again during Col. Rhatigan’s first All Call when he introduced his three priorities of Mission, Airmen, and Partners and emphasized that all of us are critical to mission accomplishment. He emphasized our partnerships and how important it is to work as a team.”

The nominative selection process is designed to provide sharp Airmen a deliberate developmental opportunity. If selected, the Airman will tail a Chief or superintendent for an entire day, gaining an unfiltered view of the many facets that comprise the day of a senior leader.

The most recent group of CHAMPs contained a widespread representation of Team Little Rock units. In total, 12 participants from nine different units shared in the mentorship opportunity. The Airmen and Chiefs were paired together with the help of Staff Sgt. Elizabeth Hauprich, the 19th Airlift command chief executive assistant.

“The CHAMP gave me the unique opportunity to partner with a senior NCO from TLR,” said Tech. Sgt. Andy Gilbert, a 19th Civil Engineer Squadron structural craftsman. I shared his day and saw how the Comptroller Squadron handles business from a strategic level. Being in the NCO tier can sometimes offer a capped level of experience. Seeing the next level and its impact is a means of motivation to strive for the next level of responsibility. My long-term goal is to be a Command Chief and every chance I get to receive mentorship is one step closer to achieving it. The feedback session we had afterwards was also another key factor of the day. The informality of the discussion offered a means to let everyone’s voice be heard and feel comfortable amongst the Chiefs. I recommended this program to all my Airmen.”

The program doesn’t offer incentive singularly to the Airmen. The mentors have the opportunity to pass along countless years of lessons learned.

“What the CHAMP does for me, and I know it sounds corny, but it re-blues me,” said Senior Master Sgt. Keith Munroe, the 19th Airlift Wing Director of Staff and 19th Comptroller Squadron superintendent. “I’ve had a lot of jobs in the Air Force, but mentoring, on every level, has been the most rewarding job of all. The only way to ensure we have a great Air Force tomorrow is to pass along what we’ve learned to those coming up behind us.”

Chief Overton’s hope for the program is that Airmen can appreciate how everyone, regardless of unit or specialty, performs a critical role in our Air Force. Additionally, by shadowing a Chief or senior leader in another organization, Airmen are made aware of some of the decision-making that occurs and the “why” behind those decisions.

“Our enlisted force is the envy of the world because of the investment we make toward enlisted development,” said Overton. “That development doesn’t have to come from the classroom, and the best lessons come from real situations. CHAMP allows Airmen to gain some first-hand leadership insight and be exposed to other scenarios, versus just their day-to-day ops. I had the opportunity to shadow my senior enlisted advisor, Chief Finch, who went on to be the 13th Chief Master Sgt. of the Air Force, and it was an experience I never forgot!”

CHAMP is also a way of passing down the heritage and traditions of the enlisted corps. The mentors share knowledge and stories that reach back almost as far as the Air Force itself when 29-year Chiefs share the knowledge and stories told to them by the 30-year Chiefs who were their mentors.

The program occurs on the second Wednesday of every month. The next iteration is scheduled for Dec. 11. In January, CHAMP is expected to expand to allow shadowing opportunities to special duty positions such as military training leaders, Airman and Family Readiness NCO, Honor Guard NCO and first sergeants.